Michael Riley is a Grand Rapids, Michigan based singer-songwriter known for his captivating voice. A respected figure in the West Michigan music scene, Riley earned the WYCE Jammie Award for Best Male Artist in 2009 for his self-titled album.

After a hiatus, Riley returns with his new project, This Is The Movie and his latest release, The Wheel Turns Itself. His performances feature a mix of original songs and classic covers from the 60's to the present, blending a dynamic mix of songs from folk, rock, indie-rock and country genres. His voice carries a timeless sound that resonates with audiences across generations.

No cover - 21+ - music starts at 9pm

Toxins in Technicolor? Exploring the Influence of Milkweed Host Plant on Monarch Wing Color & Defense

Monarch butterflies sequester toxins called cardenolides from milkweed host plants. This is signaled to predators via their aposematic orange & black wing coloration. We'll investigate the link between the milkweed species they consume as larvae and the intensity of their orange and black chemical defense signal. Join us at Speciation on Thursday, January 15th, 2026, to explore monarchs, their host plants, and the relationship between the two in time and space across a continental-scale landscape.

Matt Deighton holds an MS in Biology from Western Michigan University, where he conducted research under the mentorship of Dr. Stephen Malcolm to explore the influence of milkweed host plants on monarch butterfly coloration & chemical defense. A dedicated science communicator, Matt has shared his findings at the 2025 International Monarch Science Symposium and through public education initiatives at Frederik Meijer Gardens to advocate for pollinator conservation and essential ecosystem services.

Join us every Wednesday night for Geeks Who Drink trivia, a pub style quiz! Quizmaster Hayley will lead you on an adventure with topics ranging from celebrities in trouble to wordplay to bad television. Come by yourself, or with a team of up to six people!

Also, PizzaMI will have their food truck set up in our parking lot every Wednesday, beginning at 5pm. Arrive early to order some fresh za!

For Erin Monroe, music is more than making noise. It’s taking a deep breath. It’s when she feels most alive. Her voice draws listeners in with a comfort and confidence that invites them to feel at home.

There’s a quiet power in Erin’s work. It’s gentle on the surface, yet packs an emotional punch. Whether she’s writing at home or nailing a performance, her craft is her form of worship: an act of presence, gratitude, and trust. She lets the process unfold organically, and lets each song become what it wants to be.

Listen closely, and you’ll find a space to reflect and connect with your own footing. Erin’s music is an invitation to step into the moment with strength and purpose.

Join us every Wednesday night for Geeks Who Drink trivia, a pub style quiz! Quizmaster Hayley will lead you on an adventure with topics ranging from celebrities in trouble to wordplay to bad television. Come by yourself, or with a team of up to six people!

Also, PizzaMI will have their food truck set up in our parking lot every Wednesday, beginning at 5pm. Arrive early to order some fresh za!

Join us for Bug Club! A group of bug lovin’ Michiganders building our own community for insect admiration and education.

First Tuesday of every month from 6-7:30pm!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grbugclub/

THE MOONRAYS return to the Speciation stage!

Don't miss out on their unique blend of Retro Surf, Cosmic Blues & Atomic Rock!

The Moonrays will be playing every last Friday of the month at Speciation.

Music from 8-11pm!

Usher in the Winter Solstice with a very special evening, featuring a free show from local musical legend SUNKEN MELODY… as well as the release of our special solstice beer SUBNIVIAN - featuring art by the ever to talented SON! Visual. 750ml bottles return!!

Music starts at 8pm.

Come one, come all to Stovepipe's Caravan Christmas Extravaganza! One-man band Stovepipe Stover will be joined by friends for a Christmas celebration for the ages. Get ready for a down-home vibe, lots of sing-alongs, and an evening that will make you crave a whole bowl of figgy pudding!

Friday, December 19th at 9pm - FREE - 21+

With just a week from Christmas how can we be giving and receiving while being kind to our environment?

Featuring:

• Amanda Boersma, Sustainability Strategist

• Janay Brower, Founder, Public Thread

• Camille Steverson, Founder, Second Vibess

• Kaitlynn Fitzpatrick, Founder, Second Vibess

• Kat Hart, City of Grand Rapids

• & Wendy Ogilvie, Moderator

Thursday, December 18th, 2025 at 7pm

RSVP on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1129432405922957

Join us every Wednesday night for Geeks Who Drink trivia, a pub style quiz! Quizmaster Hayley will lead you on an adventure with topics ranging from celebrities in trouble to wordplay to bad television. Come by yourself, or with a team of up to six people!

Also, PizzaMI will have their food truck set up in our parking lot every Wednesday, beginning at 5pm. Arrive early to order some fresh za!

MERRY TAILS & ALES in support of WEST MICHIGAN THERAPY DOGS

Cheers to giving back! Raise a glass at Merry Tails & Ales as Speciation Cellars donates a portion of drink sales to West Michigan Therapy Dogs. Their work provides comfort and companionship across West Michigan in the form of a dog. We’ll have a table with info and fun goodies, too!

Free Show Friday!

Brazilian Jazz & Pop Night with Eric O'Daly & Caleb Elzinga

Eric O'Daly is a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter whose musical travels have taken him all over the world.  Caleb Elzinga is a saxophone wizard adept at painting melodic tapestries across genres.  Together at Speciation Cellars, they will be going on a deep dive of Brazilian music, highlighting the rich harmonies and rhythmic sophistication of classic bossa nova, mingled with some sparkling Brazilian pop nuggets.  Join us for an evening of lush guitar, sophisticated saxophone, and the beautiful sound of lyrics in Portuguese.

21+ // No cover // Music @ 9pm

Join us every Wednesday night for Geeks Who Drink trivia, a pub style quiz! Quizmaster Hayley will lead you on an adventure with topics ranging from celebrities in trouble to wordplay to bad television. Come by yourself, or with a team of up to six people!

Also, PizzaMI will have their food truck set up in our parking lot every Wednesday, beginning at 5pm. Arrive early to order some fresh za!

Silent Book Club: Holiday Meet Up 🎄📚

Join us at @speciationales for our annual Holiday Meet Up. Bring whatever book you’re reading, don an ugly sweater (optional!), and enjoy good company, goody bags, and more. Our friends @cellarbirdbooks will be on hand with books, puzzles, and crafts that make perfect gifts.

📖 Reading time: 4–7 pm

💬 Optional book chat: 5:30 pm

Free to attend, as always.

Bringing garage rock to the literal garage-turned-brewery: Morale & The Fuzzrites!

Morale - Five piece prog-grunge band. You’ll hear echos of Fugazi, morphine, Pinback, or a little Wilco

The Fuzzrites - Garage rock band from Grand Rapids, Michigan

21+ // No Cover // 9pm

SHOP HOP IS HERE! The biggest day of the year for our neighborhood, Shop Hop is your chance to get some serious LOCAL shopping in. This year we are opening early, and bringing back a very fun nature artist market! Stop by and grab some stocking stuffers from: Eggy Opus, Cloud KBD, Madison Memering, One More Knot & Querkus Creative!

Join us every Wednesday night for Geeks Who Drink trivia, a pub style quiz! Quizmaster Hayley will lead you on an adventure with topics ranging from celebrities in trouble to wordplay to bad television. Come by yourself, or with a team of up to six people!

Also, PizzaMI will have their food truck set up in our parking lot every Wednesday, beginning at 5pm. Arrive early to order some fresh za!

Grand Rapids Bug Club! Tuesday, 12/2 from 6-7:30pm!

✨ Special Feature: BUG FLASH TATTOOS!

📽️ Presentation: The optical properties of butterfly wings and structural color

🏆 December Bug of the Month!

🎨 Activity: Craft & Movie!

Join Arts in Motion for another workshop!! This time Sloan Delores Flowers is leading us in a porch pot workshop! All supplies will be provided. We are excited to get in the holiday spirit with you! Visit the AIM event page to reserve a spot: https://givebutter.com/AIMporchpotworkshop

THE MOONRAYS return to the Speciation stage!

Don't miss out on their unique blend of Retro Surf, Cosmic Blues & Atomic Rock!

The Moonrays will be playing every last Friday of the month at Speciation.

Music from 8-11pm!

Join us every Wednesday night for Geeks Who Drink trivia, a pub style quiz! Quizmaster Hayley will lead you on an adventure with topics ranging from celebrities in trouble to wordplay to bad television. Come by yourself, or with a team of up to six people!

Also, PizzaMI will have their food truck set up in our parking lot every Wednesday, beginning at 5pm. Arrive early to order some fresh za!

A live visual and sonic experience.

Gradient is a collaboration between live projection artist Alex Perez and an impromptu vinyl soundtrack selected by MisterSifter.

FREE SHOW FRIDAY! EVERY FRIDAY EVENING AT SPECIATION CELLARS!

Wilson Ave - grand rapids based moldy basement indie rock

New Troy - Just some cousins that make music in Grand Rapids, MI

21+, free, music starts at 9pm sharp.

Heard of taking bitters for an upset stomach or hangover? There's more to it than folklore. In this hands-on class with herbalist Camilla Voelker, we’ll explore the powerful role of bitter herbs in supporting digestion and overall wellness—especially during the season of rich, heavy meals. We’ll taste a variety of bitter herbs, learn about their health benefits, and craft our own custom and tasty bitters to take home.

We are super excited to announce a beer that has been in the making for a long long time:

Riparian - Rustic Wheat w/ Elderberry & Yarrow - Trout Unlimited Collab!

Available in the taproom Thursday, November 20th on draft and in 16oz cans.

Join us every Wednesday night for Geeks Who Drink trivia, a pub style quiz! Quizmaster Hayley will lead you on an adventure with topics ranging from celebrities in trouble to wordplay to bad television. Come by yourself, or with a team of up to six people!

Also, PizzaMI will have their food truck set up in our parking lot every Wednesday, beginning at 5pm. Arrive early to order some fresh za!

Bartender Katie is obsessed with the rolling stones! Come hang and listen to her extensive vinyl collection! Records will be spinning all night on November 18th, from 4-9pm!

Studio Club - 11.17.25

A session of casual, artistic play for anyone wanting a space to create. All skill levels welcome, all materials provided for your choice of collage, watercolor or charcoal.

$25/ticket - Includes an in-house beverage.

Email studioclubsessions@gmail.com for ticketing info. RSVP by 11/14 to reserve your seat in the room!